“This year’s competition in your program will be even more special than last year’s.” Professor Curtis, our ensemble studies professor, announces before our class with him ends. “And the higher-ups have assigned me, along with Professor Lee and Professor Clarke, to facilitate the entire contest.
“Now, pay attention. Beginning this year, Whitlock Music of School will collaborate with Sebastian Records. I know some of you have already made your debut, but this collaboration aims to expand your professional opportunities. The label will have an opportunity to sign our school’s young performers, composers, and songwriters.”
Eighteen pairs of eyes flicker, cheers erupt in the studio classroom, and even those uninterested are captivated by Professor Curtis’ statement. I immediately assumed Julian had joined the faculty for this reason. My heart leaps with excitement.
Professor Curtis writes something on the board besides what he previously wrote. It’s a date that ranges from today to next month.
“That’s the time allotted to you to write and compose a new song that you’ll also perform in our Waldorf Hall, and you know what that means.”
Yes, of course! Because Waldorf Hall is only used for major school events. I’ve only been in there once to see Decker Austin’s performance turn into a concert. He attended Whitlock but is now a world-famous singer and actor.
“Everyone in your program is a participant by default. There will be no levels or mechanics. You have complete creative control over the song’s style and theme. But because you only have one chance to perform, you only have one chance to win. The judges will be from the Sebastian Records, except for Professor Sebastian, who will guide you to this competition. After all, this is his idea.”
I knew it! This is one of the things about him that really amazes me. It is his commitment to his students that allows them to thrive.
But I’m not sure why Julian hasn’t told me anything yet. Or maybe he just wants the competition to be fair.
“We will only choose one champion and two runner-ups,” Professor Curtis says, “but the good news doesn’t end there. The highest scorer will still need to compete in the final rounds against a rival school to win the record deal. We all know SEG has produced many of the world’s best artists, so this is a great chance to showcase your talents. Do you have questions?”
Maria raises her hand. “I have a concern, professor. We were told that those who had previously won in previous school tournaments were not permitted to participate again to give others a chance. It’s in the rules. So, Ms. Scott and the other winners won’t be able to participate here, correct?” She throws a wicked grin over me.
“That’s right, yeah? I totally agree.” Some undergraduates in the classroom give her their enthusiastic approval.
I grit my teeth. Of course, I’m aware of the rules! I’m not even expecting to see my name on the list, but it doesn’t have to come from her.
“Can I smack her in the face? She always gets on my nerves,” Lora murmurs to my ears.
I squeeze her hand. “I second that thought.”
“Oh, that, of course!” Professor Curtis affirms with a single handclap. “I already asked Professor Sebastian about this, and he certainly disagrees that Ms. Scott is left out, so she is still a participant in this year’s competition. After all, we’re opening a rare opportunity for all, so having the champions back would give us a greater chance of winning.”
Take that, Maria! I return her wicked grin. “Thank you, Professor Curtis,” I say loudly enough for everyone to hear.
She purses her lips.
“Does anyone else have a question?” so says our professor.
Nobody responds.
“Good. Class dismissed.”
***
Lora and I spent the rest of our afternoon in the cafeteria. I’m having a bean salad with sliced fruits and whole-wheat toast.
“Have you heard from Kristoff?” my best friend asks, taking a small bite of her club sandwich.
“No, but I’ve stopped expecting him. Everyone we know thinks I was dumped for your sister. I want to clear my mind and try not to care.”
“You should dump him instead. It’ll be interesting to see.” She lets out a grunt.
“We’ve broken up ever since he left. I’m not hoping for much either.” Finally, I bite into my slice of apple. It strangely tastes like nothing. I’m not sure if it’s just me or if the food is bland. Kristoff has totally disappointed me. It’s been almost three weeks.
“Candice messaged me today,” Lora says casually, looking up at me through her eyelids.
I frown. “Uh-huh? What did she say?”
“First, I told her the truth about you. I’m sorry. I’m just too pissed. She never responded to my messages, so I bombed her inbox. Finally, she responded today, telling me to fuck off and not to worry about it. She’s going to Berlin tomorrow.”
“With him?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t say.”
“Regardless. I think you’re right. I’m breaking up with him for my own gratification.” I prick another piece of food and ingest it mindlessly.
I’m apparently generating anxiety within myself. I just stopped caring about Kristoff and thinking about how he could screw himself. I can’t completely erase all of our memories because they were good and happy memories. In the end, I just want everything to be okay, to avoid any unpleasant situations while we’re both still in Whitlock. Just thinking about it makes my heart hurt.
“That’s right.” Lora nods supportively. “Do it! You don’t have to put up with it. I will take care of Candice. Besides that, there’s someone else who appreciates you. Are you making progress with Professor Hotness?”
I beam. “I’m going to see him today. He texted he was free this afternoon and wanted to see me.”
My best friend squeals and slaps my shoulder, as she always does, giggling. I’m becoming accustomed to her assaults. “He’s wooing you! Oh my goodness! I’m so envious. So, are you going?”
“Yeah,” I murmur, biting the toast. The food is strangely becoming flavorful again. It’s as if remembering I’ll be seeing Julian tonight will cure my dwindling appetite.
“You should. Obviously. Screw the non-fraternization policy and take the man. You have my full support.” She takes a large bite of her sandwich.
“Whoa! You always take things too quickly.” I laugh. “Hey, before I forget, I’ll just email my benefactor about the competition. I loved reading his advice.”
“Of course. I’m also checking my inbox.”
I take my phone out of my pocket and check my email. I compose a message.
To: [email protected]: Dean Melnard ([email protected])Dear Mr. John Pitch,My studies have been going well lately. Since Professor Sebastian arrived, I’ve never been more eager to attend my composition and songwriting class. His lessons are so informative, enlightening, and entertaining that I feel I’ve grown.In addition to my email, I’d like to inform you of an upcoming major competition in our program. Sebastian Records is looking for new artists to sign with them, and they will be accepting students from Whitlock and our rival school, St. Agatha Music Academy. I’m participating in this contest, and if I win, I’ll finally be a professional composer! I’ll give it my all. Please send me your best wishes.Yours sincerely,Anya“Say, Anya,” Lora inserts after I hit send. “Have you asked your benefactor to meet with you?”
“I haven’t. Why?”
“I remember because I heard his name by chance yesterday while walking past Professor Clarke's office. She was talking to Professor Sebastian and Dr. Monroe.”
“The dean?” My brow furrows. “What do you think they’re talking about?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve only ever heard the name John Pitch from you, so it’s a bit of a mystery.”
“Perhaps another student is coming in on a scholarship?”
“It could be. But don’t you think Professor Sebastian knows John Pitch personally?”
“Probably. He’s one of the panelists who chose me for the scholarship, after all. Do you think it’s okay to ask him?”
Her turquoise eyes twinkle. “That’s what I’m going to suggest.”
“That’s a good idea. I never considered asking him about it.” I keep eating my snack to get to Julian’s office on time. My eagerness to see him again is causing me to tense up.
“Anya?”
I put down my fork. Have I gone insane? I can hear Kristoff’s voice in my mind.
“Anya!”
I ignore it. He’s currently in Berlin with Lora’s twin. I’m probably hallucinating.
“Babe! Can we please talk?” His voice is even softer this time, and the background noise becomes more intense.
No, no. I certainly am not hearing things.
But it’s definitely his voice. When I raise my head, I see Kristoff standing behind Lora. I closed my eyes, ready to hurl things at his face.